SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE,Ill. -- Recently released guidance states that individuals who have served in either Afghanistan or Iraq as part of Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom are authorized at least one bronze campaign star device on their respective campaign medals.
As stated in the guidance, "the campaign stars recognize servicemembers for participating in designated campaign phases within the areas of eligibility for both awards."
Each operation is broken down into distinct phases. Currently, three phases exist for Operation Enduring Freedom and four phases for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
One bronze campaign star is authorized for one or more days participation in any phase of the campaigns.
Campaign phase dates for service in Afghanistan include: Liberation of Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2001 to Nov. 30, 2001; Consolidation I, Dec. 1, 2001 to Sept. 30, 2006; and Consolidation II, Oct. 1, 2006 to a date yet to be determined.
Dates for service in Iraq include: Liberation of Iraq, March 19, 2003 to May 1, 2003; Transition of Iraq, May 2, 2003 to June 28, 2004; Iraqi Governance, June 29, 2004 to Dec. 15, 2005; and National Resolution, Dec. 16, 2005 to a date yet to be determined.
As prescribed by the message, no Afghanistan or Iraq Campaign Medal will be awarded to Air Force servicemembers without at least one campaign star.
Members who have served either multiple tours or tours overlapping phase dates may be eligible for more than one star.
For example, an individual deployed to Afghanistan for 180 days from Oct. 24, 2001 to April 13, 2002 would receive two campaign stars for their Afghanistan Campaign Medal for their participation in both the Liberation of Afghanistan and Consolidation I phases.
"Those members who served for one campaign have had their records updated with one bronze star -- no further action is required," said Frank Sidney, 375th Mission Support Squadron awards and decorations administrator.
Some members may receive an error message when checking their status on the VirtulMPF, however Mr. Sidney advises to ignore until the system has a chance to catch up.
"For those who served overlapping campaigns, and those with more than one deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq, you will be required to bring in supporting documentation to have additional bronze stars added," he said.
Appropriate documentation examples include CED orders, a paid travel voucher or decoration.
Individuals eligible for the Afghanistan and Iraqi Campaign medals include those who have served 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days in the area of eligibility.